11.06.2009
A Look Back - November 2008
*Me and my little sister. I need to get my mom to share more pictures like this one online. They make me happy.It's fun to take a look back at older posts to see what was making me happy a year ago. I think I'm going to do this every month from now on. Looking at pictures of A from a year ago is especially fun. Here's a little sampling of what I was talking about last November:
I Love Me List - A fun reminder of why it's great to be me. I could come up with a thousand other reasons, too. Maybe I'll do that.
Barefoot Books - I adore this book seller from Cambridge. Their books are wonderfully illustrated, and they often incorporate a celebration of other cultures. Our little local library carries a few, and A always loves them. If you have a kid on your holiday list, you should definitely check them out.
Simplifying the Holidays - We're focusing on the kids with my in-laws, skipping the gift exchange among the adults. And in my family, we're limiting the exchange to just stockings. Playing with the kids is the fun part anyway, and I'd rather focus on getting good food and drink to celebrate the season as a family.
Mini-Diaries - I use my blog to capture some of these thoughts, but I still love these mini-diaries and think they'd make a great stocking stuffer!
Are You Rude? Of course you are. Sometimes. We all have bad habits or bad days. But let's renew our commitment to minimizing the rudeness and increase the niceness.
Chocolate Pudding Pie - Have you decided on your holiday desserts yet? You might want to add this one. It's super easy and so so yummy!

11.04.2009
Sneak Peek
11.02.2009
Online Cooking Club - Week 7
That said, I did make a few tweaks to this one. I used flour tortillas, because that's what I had and because every time I try to use corn tortillas, they end up chewy and not very tasty. I don't know what my problem is, and I'll try again one day, but for now I stick to flour. So instead of frying in oil, I quickly dipped the tortillas in some veggie broth. Worked fine. I used frozen corn and frozen chicken strips - both worked fine as well, and make it even easier. Also, I'd probably add some cilantro next time. Especially if you don't go heavy on the green salsa (I used bottled, by the way - don't call me a cheat, okay?), a little cilantro would go a long way I think. (Plus I just love cilantro.)
The results? Very good. A was having a bad night - perhaps all that Halloween candy gave him a stomachache - but he didn't really eat much of anything, even after I gave up on the enchiladas and offered him a bowl of cereal. So we won't use him as a judge. My husband said they were yummy, and he doesn't lie about such things. I liked them and loved how easy they were to make. And enchiladas are one of those dishes you can modify pretty easily based on what you have in your fridge. I didn't make a side dish this time, but you could serve with rice, beans, tortilla chips, salad....again, pretty flexible. Another keeper!
11.01.2009
Halloween Fun
He is one awfully cute firefighter, isn't he? This was A's first year trick-or-treating, and he loved it! (As all kids do, I suppose.) He was super excited to put on his "lellow costume".
10.29.2009
Pumpkin Carving
I'll post the results after the big day. A chose the design by telling us what shapes to use for the eyes and nose and then how many teeth the mouth should have. Expect lots of cuteness on Saturday. It's the first year we're really doing Halloween with Aaron, and he's very excited to wear his costume. In the meantime, we had fun carving our jack o'lantern this weekend. Halloween is great!
10.28.2009
Red Leaves, Giggling, and Rub Noses
This week's Three Beautiful Things:
1. The red leaves on the chokeberry bush in front of our house. Gorgeous!
2. The sound of Aaron giggling and screaming as he ran through the leaves and begged to be covered up again and again. *See pictures posted yesterday.
3. When I finished reading bedtime stories, I went to leave Aaron's room. He said, "Mom! Wait!" Then he asked me to come closer. He grabbed both sides of my face and pulled it to his so he could give me a "rub noses". Then he blew me a kiss and said "I love you". Sigh. I am a lucky, lucky girl.
10.27.2009
Online Cooking Club - Week 6
*Image from Cooking Light 10.26.2009
Closet Update
Okay, the deadline is almost here. For what? My organizing goals of course! I've done a pretty good job. I even got those wood hangers in my closet (see above). Such a little thing, but it makes such a nice difference. As I told K, it makes me feel like a grown-up. The only things I haven't done yet are to organize those bookshelves (still painting, if you can believe it) and to get rid of that old grill. Nobody on freecycle wanted it, but I figure I'll try again when grill season rolls back around.
Of course, the thing about organizing projects is that there's always a list of them to be done. And even when you check some off, they reappear only a short time later. For example, I desperately need to clean out the car again and replenish my driving music, especially as I restart my work commute. So for now, I'll pat myself on the back for accomplishing these goals. Next week, I'll put together my next list!
10.22.2009
The Botany of Desire
PBS is airing a special based on Michael Pollan's book, The Botany of Desire, on October 28th. From the PBS web site:
"Featuring Michael Pollan and based on his best-selling book, this special takes viewers on an eye-opening exploration of the human relationship with the plant world, seen from the plants' point of view. Narrated by Frances McDormand, the program shows how four familiar species – the apple, the tulip, cannabis and the potato – evolved to satisfy our yearnings for sweetness, beauty, intoxication and control."
It sounds interesting. Perhaps I'll DVR it and check it out.
10.21.2009
Recycle - Crayons!
10.20.2009
Online Cooking Club - Week 5
*Image from Bon Appetit Photos of the Day
10.19.2009
Fireplaces, Naps, and Apple Cider
This week's Three Beautiful Things:
1. I have a fireplace now, which makes the snow a little more bearable, even when it comes in mid-October.
2. My husband took over for a while on Saturday afternoon, allowing me the opportunity to crawl in bed for a much-needed nap. I don't even remember walking upstairs - I think I was asleep as soon as he said the word.
3. It is still Fall, despite the snow, and this means apple pie and doughnuts and cider. I love leaving a pot of cider simmering on the stove - it fills the house with a wonderful smell.
10.16.2009
Greenpots

I can't justify the expense of replacing all my nonstick pots and pans, but eventually I'd like to add a few cast iron pieces to my kitchen.
Have you heard of Greenpots? Enameled cast iron made without any chemicals, and they're super cute too. Check them out!
10.15.2009
Apple Picking - Take 3
Yep, this is our third time apple-picking this season. What can I say? We love apples. Aaron loves the train and the animals and the slides too. The farm is 1/4 mile up the road. And Daddy hadn't had a chance to go yet this year. I see season passes in our future, once we have to start paying for our little dudes.
10.14.2009
Pink Skies, Chats, and M&Ms
10.13.2009
Online Cooking Club - Week 4
10.12.2009
10.09.2009
A Look Back - October 2008
What's the best dessert you've ever made? - A reminder that Thanksmas - and our annual family dessert competition - is coming up soon. Better break out the cookbooks and decide what to make. We were a little ambitious with last year's entry, and although we won, I think we'll go for a more simple recipe this year. Anyone have ideas?
Five Senses Weekend - Vermont Edition - Fun to look at pictures from last year's trip to Vermont. We weren't able to go this year due to our new addition, but I'm looking forward to Vermont 2010.
I Love Boston #4 - The Red Sox - Playoffs are about to begin. Although I've been somewhat removed from baseball this year, my Sox are in the playoffs and I'll be watching.
I Love Boston #5 - Head of the Charles - We'll be going again next weekend. Looking forward to it!
I Love Boston #6 - Clam Chowder - I still haven't tried this clam chowder recipe, but I have it printed out in my kitchen along with another one, ready to try and compare. I'll keep you posted.
The Seasonal Clothes Switch - I just completed mine last weekend. Still working on K's. Resulted in two donation bags, which feels good.
Pumpkin Fest! - Will you make it to a Pumpkin Festival this year?
My Favorite Apple Recipes - I've already made the pie and autumn apple cake so far this year, but there is plenty of time left to enjoy apples before I move on to pumpkins.
10.08.2009
Blog Love - Simple Mom
10.07.2009
Read for the Record - 10/8
Good Books, Tricycles, and Kisses
This week's Three Beautiful Things:
1. I love having a good book to read. My current selection, The Book Thief, is making it nice to curl up in bed.
2. I arrived at preschool and saw Aaron pedaling a tricycle around the playground. He hadn't been able to use the pedals before. Every day brings something like this that reminds me how quickly my little boy is growing up.
3. I brought Nathan downstairs from a nap, and Aaron ran over to me, saying "Nathan nathan, do you want to see me?" He then proceeded to climb up me to give Nathan kisses.
10.06.2009
Online Cooking Club - Week 3
10.05.2009
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole
Muse has a new album out, entitled "The Resistance". I haven't listened to it enough to know if I love it. But I really liked their last one, "Black Holes and Revelations". You've heard it. Here's a live performance of "Supermassive Black Hole". Enjoy!
10.02.2009
Fun Kitchen Items
10.01.2009
Sara's on Apartment Therapy!
If I Could Register for Wedding Gifts All Over Again...
...I'd register at Anthropologie. Just looking at their dishes makes me happy.
9.30.2009
Photo of the Day
9.29.2009
How Awesome is my Baby Niece?
Online Cooking Club - Week 2
My second recipe was from a cookbook I received as a gift - Healthy Cooking for your Kids. It was called Creamy Pasta Bake, and I chose it primarily because I was looking for a way to use the leftovers from Sunday's roast chicken.
The results? Pretty good. Aaron liked it - even the broccoli and mushrooms - so in that regards, it was a success. And it could easily be made vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken. We did use the whole wheat pasta - I'm becoming much more successful at doing that. I will probably make this again, but the only reason it won't make the regular rotation is because it is a little higher maintenance than my other standards. It made a lot of dirty dishes.
Sorry I neglected to take a photo, but here's the recipe if you're interested:
Creamy Pasta Bake, from Healthy Cooking for Your Kids
6 oz whole wheat pasta (I used rotini, but you could use shells, penne, or any other medium-sized pasta)
1 tbsp olive oil
5 oz white mushrooms, quartered
1 broccoli crown, broken into small florets
2 cooked boneless/skinless chicken breasts, shredded
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup milk
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
2 oz cheddar cheese, grated (I am sure I at least doubled this)
salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 375F. Cook pasta for 10-12 minutes or until tender, then drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the mushrooms until beginning to brown. Boil or steam the broccoli until just cooked, then drain. Add chicken to the mushrooms and stir well. Blend the cornstarch with a little milk in a pitcher, then gradually add the remaining milk, stirring. Pour into the pan, add the sour cream, and warm through, stirring. Add the pasta and broccoli to the skillet and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix well, then transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve hot.
Another Day at the Farm
9.28.2009
That Elusive Smile
My mom has been bugging me for a picture of Nathan smiling. Although I continue to tell her that he is a happy giggly little boy, I haven't been able to offer proof. When I try to capture his smiles, this is what I get:
9 times out of 10 I get this, the "whatchyoutalkinbout, Willis?" expression...
Sometimes I get the very end of a smile, as it's going away...
And this is as close as I've gotten so far, but I promise I'll keep trying, Mom!
Jeans, September, and Chubby Baby Fingers
During a conversation last week, my sister mentioned that she and her husband were going to write down their happy lists, just to remind themselves of all the happy and positive things in their lives. It reminded me that I've been slacking on posting my weekly three beautiful things. A one-time happy list is good and fun, but it's important to maintain your focus on the infinite wonderful things life has to offer. So I am renewing my efforts, and here are this week's Three Beautiful Things:
1. I'm back in all my own clothes, and I've donated all my maternity clothes. Wearing my own jeans is such a beautiful thing. Knowing that my pregnant days are behind me is a bittersweet but beautiful thing as well.
2. Cool and crisp September days with clear blue skies and orange trees. Last week's quote from A: "Mom, look at that tree! The leaves are turning orange and red and yellow. Isn't that cool? I like it when the trees do that."
3. I love the way Nathan holds on to the neck of my shirt when he's nursing. I could stroke his soft pudgy fingers all day long.
9.25.2009
Blog Love - Closet Cooking
9.24.2009
Banana Bars
We Went to the Zoo and All I Got...
...were these fuzzy photos. (That's an ostrich in the background in case you were curious.) Aaron wanted nothing to do with getting his picture taken when we were looking at the animals, but he was excited when eating lunch. Unfortunately, my camera focused on his cup. Ah well. We had a good time, and it's all about the experience anyway, right?
9.23.2009
Happeez
Have you heard of Happeez? It's a line of products like magnets, notepads, etc, that stick to lots of surfaces where magnets can't, such as stainless steel, mirrors, and glass. They're also really cute! Check them out at Mayfair Lane.
















